Dennis “Denny” Ray Huestis, 63, of Brookings, passed away July 15, 2011, in Brookings, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. 

Dennis was born Sept. 14, 1947, in San Andreas, Calif., to Robert and Martha (Austin) Huestis. They came from pioneer families in the Lockeford-Clements area in California; the family moved to Lockeford when Dennis was 6 months old. He grew up there and graduated from Lodi High School in 1965.

In 1967, Dennis began what would be a 41-year career in the grocery industry for the Northern California Division of Lucky’s Markets.  He became a manager in 1981, and moved to South Lake Tahoe, Calif., where he managed the store there until 1993. In 1991, Dennis was named Outstanding Chain Store Manager of the Year by Progressive Grocer magazine.  

Dennis married Billie Ruth Green Nov. 2, 1984, in Lake Tahoe. 

In 1993, they moved to Grants Pass, where Dennis went to work for Ray’s Food Place. He later transferred to manage the Brookings store until 2007, when they moved to Shady Cove for medical reasons. 

While there, Dennis worked for Fred Thomas at Select Market for a year as manager and then in a position created for him by Fred during Denny’s ongoing medical treatments. 

Dennis’ greatest fulfillment in life was being with his family and teaching and training in the grocery industry. He enjoyed the outdoors and the beauty of God’s creation; to that end he was an avid hunter, fisherman and backpacker. Dennis attended First Baptist Community Church in Brookings for many years.

Survivors include his wife Billie Ruth of Brookings; daughters Emeri Littel and her husband Robert of the Netherlands, and Dori Green of South Lake Tahoe; sons Michael Green and his wife Wendy of Grants Pass, and Donald Green of South Lake Tahoe; brother Michael Huestis and his wife Sherry of Lodi; and five grandchildren. Also surviving are special friends Ed and Connie Kessler and Larry and Vivian Hage, and many friends who touched his life. 

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother Randall Huestis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogue Valley Youth for Christ, 691 Murphy Road., Suite 112, Medford, OR 97504 or to the Curry Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1274, Gold Beach, OR 97444.

At Dennis’ request, no services will be held.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.

Submitted by Redwood Memorial Chapel.